Hi folks - I have some Bilstein PSS10's that will lower my r53 about 1.5 inches. I'm using IE fixed camber plates up front, but curious if I need adjustable rear control arms as well? Now's the time to do it as I have the rear subframe pulled, but it's yet another thing to spend money on!

And while I have you, I've got a whiteline sway bar ready to go but should I consider other bushing upgrades that won't be a complete PIA? I don't want to compromise ride quality as it's a daily driver, but interested in thoughts.

Appreciate the insight fellas!!

 

You really only need the lower rear control arms, so you can save from having to buy two sets.

These are reasonably priced:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=10401&jsn=360

 

Dang, that's a deal compared to elsewhere and they have good reviews. I know I could go Hotchkiss for $300 or so but I have to draw the line at some point; I'll give them a go - seems a necessity to not chew up my tires, as I continue to dig.

 

I have the Hotchkiss on my Clubman, and really, overkill for street use. Plus, the bushings are poly, so regular greasing is a requirement. The rubber bushings in the control arms are so thin, its almost like they aren't really there.

 

I have installed the (near) identical rear control arms as njaremka linked to. Mine are the Dorman brand, aluminum ones, I bought for the same amount of $$ back in 2022.
They worked great as for fine tuning/adjusting my rear camber. Super happy that I made the upgrade at a bargain $$. I also installed an Alta 23mm rear swaybar w/powerflex RSBushings at the time.

As for Godspeed adjustables - there's a reasonably good price on a pair of pre-owned in the marketplace right now. If you are s inclined.

 

I've done spherical bearings on suspension parts before. NO WAY would I recommend them for anything that will see street / daily driver use. Spherical bearings are nice for feedback, but terrible for noises and durability.

 

Thanks all, I went Mavotech - last ones in stock at that price and less than half of amazon, ebay, etc. Sometimes you get lucky - Njaremka, you're my hero of the day.

 

Good to know!
I'm glad I made the right choice not knowing any better.

I should add that: I had purchased my Dorman adjustable lower control arms from Amazon (circa 2022) for about $90 for the pair.
What I didn't know / AND what the Amazon seller didn't realize, was that there are 2wo different versions of the SAME design. The primary difference is that: one model # is steel @ $80/pair and the other model # is aluminum @ $300/pair.
There in lies the confusion....I received the aluminum ones for $80 + tx/sh. They had realized their error and have since priced the aluminum version @ 135/ea OR $400+ /pair.

Ignorance is bliss.
...at least for me

 

One more question - anyone know what these bolt locking plates for the lower rear arms are called, and/or where I could find replacements?

 

Assuming you mean lower control arms, then I think it’s #15 on this diagram. Cage nuts.

By the way, I find it mildly curious that you’re lowering the car 1.5” but are also simultaneously concerned about ride quality.

You should consider Powerflex rear trailing arm bushing inserts. As those bushings wear, the car starts to get a bit of a rear-steer feeling.

 

It's the nature of the coilovers - they adjust from 30-50cm reduction in ride height, and I'll go closer to 30. I did a lot of research and, while of course they firm up the ride, when dialed in more for comfort than competition they seem a solid choice. We'll see...

Thanks for the lead on the "cage nuts", just bought a pair to replace. Great site for parts diagrams, btw.

 

I'll be waiting for a review of your PSS10 setup once you've got it dialed in. I have the B14 PSS coilovers on my R53. I really wanted the PSS10 but could not justify the price.

 

Agreed - they are more that the bargain price I paid for the whole car and unsure how there's a market left for those kinds of prices on R53 parts. I grabbed an almost new set on the marketplace for half that, otherwise no way.

I'll let you know how they ride - seems a long way off with the my car almost completely dissassembled!

 

Thanks for this! Picked up a set as well for my GP! Might as well while it's all apart!